I'm really starting to adore Helen. When we first met her, she seemed rather shy and somewhat lacking in confidence (a bit like Cat's initial shyness around strangers), and I couldn't really know much about her other than those surface qualities and that she wanted to become a mother. But now we're getting a glimpse of what else lies within her, and it appears to be a lot. She seems... I guess the best way I can put it is that I get the feeling she's a thoughtful and gentle spirit, one who is quiet but really sees things and understands. If I met her in person, and we both managed to get past being shy or untalkative, I think we'd get along well. Or at least, I'd probably enjoy knowing her; I've no clue how'd she take to me. xD

Anyway, I like the background for this page! As always, the expressions rock, too.

Cutekitty wrote:...HE GETS TO GO TO GERMANY?! That lucky horse! I've yet to take a trip outside of the U.S.! Did he have to learn German, then (or already know it), to be able to talk to people there?

When missionaries leave, they first spend some time at the Missionary Training Center. (MTC for short.) Here they get used to a missionary schedule, learn the rules and lessons they'll be teaching, and learn another language if needed. Though I've often heard these classes are more like very basic lessons. The language is really learned once you're out in the field and practicing it constantly.

Cutekitty wrote:...HE GETS TO GO TO GERMANY?! That lucky horse! I've yet to take a trip outside of the U.S.! Did he have to learn German, then (or already know it), to be able to talk to people there?

When missionaries leave, they first spend some time at the Missionary Training Center. (MTC for short.) Here they get used to a missionary schedule, learn the rules and lessons they'll be teaching, and learn another language if needed. Though I've often heard these classes are more like very basic lessons. The language is really learned once you're out in the field and practicing it constantly.

Whatever methods they use to learn a new language, I must say that those methods are very effective. The missionaries in Finland speak EXCELLENT Finnish. They also have grasped it relatively fast, especially considering that the Finnish language isn't the easiest one in the world.

But of course the best way to learn a new language is to live in a foreign country and use it every day with the native speakers and that's what the missionaries are doing. I also have helped them to practice their Finnish skills by translating new words they have encountered (even some slang words) and of course by having conversations with them.

Aaah, I see. Regarding ways of picking up foreign languages, I do think that, based on my experiences (with Spanish and Japanese), intense AP and university classes can also be great ways to learn, especially when first getting started, but I have heard a lot of people say similar things as you have, Ellen-Natalie and Amulek, about the crucial role of complete immersion for gaining true fluency--that it's the best way to learn a language, that it's how folks learn the most, and I would concur with those sentiments. It sounds like the missionaries who end up in foreign countries get great opportunities for that. I can't exactly go on a mission, since I'm not a Mormon, but I hope to try an immersion program at some point during my time in college.

Anyway, I'm eager to read the end of Henry's letter! And that's so sweet that Helen sent him a care package. <3

Holy guacamole, I love that last panel! Not having the lines and putting all people in purple silhouette form for the scene Henry is looking at, along with the blend of colors, makes it so beautiful, and it really makes Henry stand out visually as someone observing that place (and appreciating what he's seeing) instead of just... being and living in it, if that makes sense?